The Winds of Change

Change is in the air at the Payne home. Let me number all the many changes that have made their way to our home.

1. Steve graduated from dental school. The graduation ceremony and all the other graduation events were nearly perfect. The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Richard Carmona, gave a fascinating address as the keynote speaker of the graduation. The preceding days included a formal dance and dinner, tuxedo and all, and an awards ceremony where Steve received the award for Best Implants...teeth not breasts! We also welcomed some of our favorite peole to join us for the festivities, Steve's parents and his brother Mike and his family.

2. Maxwell turned 5. Okay, this may not seem big to many of you, but remember, kindergarten is only a few short...sometimes long...months away. We threw a big birthday bash in Arizona a week before his actual birthday, so he wanted to just pretend he was five for that following week. The invitations read, "Get POWERED up for Maxwell's fifth birthday - Ironman Style". We delivered them to all his friends along with a Powerade drink. Everyone was to bring a bike, running shoes and their swimsuit in order to participate in the psuedo-ironman triathalon. We split the kids up into two groups, the first group rode two-wheelers and the second group rode with training wheels, big wheels, tricycles and foot powered cars. It was hilarious to watch, especially the foot powered car ridden by Austin Eardley. Parker Romney, who is just over 2, was also a sight to see as he rode his big wheel with the pack of 3, 4, and 5 year olds. The running race was next, and for some stupid reason I planned this race to be run on the hard basketball court, when soft grass and sand were plentiful. Needless to say, there were two minor injuries! The swimming portion of the triathlon was a big blowup waterslide, which was definitely the hit of the night. The kids could have played on that forever. Max received many great gifts, including a new bike, which was given to him as a group gift from several of his friends. Pizza and popsicles topped off the night. One little cake lover, Alexa Fisher, was a little displeased with the choice of treats, which was evident by her following me around the entire party, pulling on my shorts, asking when it's time for cake. Sorry Alexa! We then had a birthday party on Maxwell's real birthday at the funnest park ever in Eagle, Idaho. Grandma and Grandpa Pat were in attendance, along with Aunt Hollie and kids. Big cousin Spencer (there's also a little cousin Spencer) even gave Max his Gameboy. Aunt Hollie didn't ask permission first!! Big Spencer is such a sweetheart. There was also a third party at Grandma Smith's house on June 3rd. Max came home with the money dish filled with one dollar bills. He counted 13, but was a little confused when he counted that Sophie's birthday money dish had 14 greenbacks! Luckily he is not greedy yet.

3. We left our home sweet home in Gilbert, Arizona. We really loved this home, not merely the structure, although our house did treat us quite well, but the home that consisted of dear friends and family. After weeks of pushing reality aside, the day for moving actually arrived. The previous evening three of our best friends, Sally Jones, Kelli Jelinek, and Brooke Romney threw the going away party of the century. Even the bishop and his wife were in attendance. He was released as bishop two weeks later...hopefully the two events are not related! Moving day was stressful, tearful and full of excitement all at the same time. I never knew I could be full of so many emotions at once. We will truly miss everyone, but on a happier note, many family and couple vacations are already in the works. We want to thank all the many people who spent half their saturday helping us load the truck, clean the house, and send us off. Not only did we appreciate the help, but it also made us feel so loved.

4. We moved into our waiting house in Meridian, Idaho. I love it, I love it, I love it. It is going to be so much fun to decorate. The kids love their new bedrooms, and Sophie is even sleeping until 7:30 each morning. Too bad Maxwell is still bright and bushy-tailed by 6:30 sharp. We had so much help moving in. Thank goodness for Dads and brothers. It does feel nice to be back by our parents and siblings. We have so much fun together. We also have very friendly neighbors. I just returned two empty cookie plates today!

5. Sophia turned 2. She was given some bling bling (interpretation - really adorable, big and glamorous jewelry) from her parents and new bedding from Grandma Pat. Okay, Grandma wasn't that lame. She gave her money and I used it to buy her new bedding. Sorry Sophie! Maybe someday you'll understand. I just have to say that she is one of the sweetest little children I have ever known. Be good to us Year 2.

6. Steve left the rest of us here in Idaho for 12 days to complete his final clinical exam and to boondoggle a bit with the boys club...which, although I hate to admit, is well deserved. We already miss him and it's only been 3 days, but I'm sure in hindsight I will have become a better person in some way because of his absence. I wish hindsight could appear a little earlier!

Okay, those are the changes in the Payne home. Quite an eventul way to initiate a blog, huh?